Hello all!
I am contemplating a large shop build for equipment and woodworking.
We have used standing seam hidden screw metal roofing on all the other structures and really love the security.
I had not given heating much thought, I figured it would be only heated when in use, and have a dehumidifier running for tools and such.
Now I see all these hot air solar systems with suntuf and I am a little excited
So, do I build fully independent collectors and install them over my roofing, or take a big leap and go with the suntuf roofing/collector integrated system?
Cons:
1) I do get some wind. I am down in the trees so that helps some...
2) when it is not launching limbs at my roof!
3) the metal is said to last 50 years or more. With cleaning and painting I think it has no measurable service life. The same cannot be said for acrylic.
The pros are obvious, cost and simplicity.
My design already has the roof facing the proper way, but the south wall below it must be mostly doors. No big solar love to be had there.
I have an asymmetrical design with a 3' high wall between the roof pitches, so I can have south facing clerestory windows all the way across.
Nothing like natural light to work by.
That wall will be very easy to plumb all the air tubing through, and there is a generous eave projecting from the back roof to help with keeping weather off my windows and the plumbing.
So what say you folks?
Obviously I would still use metal on the north facing roof.